The Best Outdoor Rugs to Make Your Patio Just as Cozy as Your Living Room

Reading up on Domino’s shopping guides is like having your own personal product concierge. We do the tedious part—deep-dive research, hands-on testing, and tapping experts for advice—so all you have to do is hit “add to cart.” That’s why we call them Simply the Best.

Sculptural planters, graphic patio umbrellas, and firepits may get the most attention when it comes to outdoor design, but don’t overlook a backyard or balcony’s most hardworking player: outdoor rugs. When styled well, the best outdoor rugs can make your yard feel as cozy as your living room. They can also hide all sorts of eyesores—from chipped tiles to stained wood decking—and are a quick fix for rentals if you can’t (or just don’t have the budget to) tackle a complete reno overhaul.

To find your space’s perfect match, consider the climate first. Will the rug be left out in the rain and in full sunlight or under the shade of a canopy? Natural-fiber options like jute and sisal require some coverage because they’re sensitive to the elements and need regular cleaning, whereas synthetics—polypropylene, nylon, polyester, and acrylic—are a bit more hardy. No matter what your style, though, Kevin Isbell of design firm Kevin Isbell Interiors notes that consistency is key. “Your outdoor space should feel like an extension of your home and not as if you just stepped into Margaritaville,” he says. In other words, if your house is teeming with neutral, earthy tones, aim to continue that theme beyond your back door. Once you’ve narrowed down the material and aesthetic, shop our guide, below, for the very best outdoor rugs on the market.

Our Favorites

• Best overall: Dash & Albert Samson Navy Indoor/Outdoor Rug
• Best value: Seavish Woven Outdoor Rug
• Best patterned: Rifle Paper Co. x Loloi Trellis Navy Rug
• Best stripe: Perennials Ikat Stripe Indoor/Outdoor Rug 
• Best geometric: Ruggable Outdoor Forma Primary Rug 
• Best natural fiber: NuLoom Rigo Handwoven Jute Area Rug
• Best polyester: West Elm Desert Stream Indoor/Outdoor Rug
• Best acrylic: Neighbor Sunbrella Braid Rug 

Best Overall: Dash & Albert Samson Navy Indoor/Outdoor Rug

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Material: Recycled PET | Pile height: .25 inches | Cost range: $12–$1,998

Why we chose it: A longtime best-seller of Dash & Albert’s Designer Favorites collection inspired by Bunny Williams’s personal collection. 

The experts we spoke to agree: Dash & Albert’s outdoor rugs stand out above the rest. Michelle Lisac, founder and principal designer of Michelle Lisac Interior Design, prefers a lower pile height, like this handwoven pick made from recycled PET. “It’s one of my favorite materials because it’s very soft underfoot but also very durable,” she explains. And the tonal gray squares lend an artful touch to modern, clean-line furniture, while the narrow navy and white lines will help hide stains and scuffs. (But they aren’t too busy, so the rug won’t compete with a colorful sofa or overwhelm a small space.)

Best Value:  Seavish Woven Outdoor Rug 

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Material: Cotton | Pile height: .2 inches | Cost range: $22–$65

Why we chose it: Snag a 5-by-8-foot rug for no more than $65. 

For a crisp, graphic effect, consider a classic black-and-white–striped rug. This version is constructed from a woven cotton blend that’s reversible and can be thrown in the washing machine for easy cleaning—it won’t shrink, bleed, or fade in cold water—making it perfect for pets, kids, and spill-prone guests. Because it’s lightweight, it’s easy to move around to accommodate different activities and entertaining needs. And whether you just need an entryway statement maker or a large area rug to cover an entire balcony or back porch, you won’t spend more than $65. 

Best Patterned: Rifle Paper Co. x Loloi Trellis Navy Rug

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Material: Polypropylene and polyester | Pile Height: .13 inches | Cost Range: $72–$1,020

Why we chose it: Make it feel like spring every day with sophisticated, durable florals. 

Trust the pros at stationery and accessories brand Rifle Paper Co. to create this intricate midnight blue and blush design (it’s the perfect pick for high-traffic areas that need a dose of character and whimsy). Go all out and pair it with a French marigold embroidered pillow, another standout from the collaboration. The jacquard-style weaving preserves the intricate floral and vine details and won’t fade in the rain or sun thanks to its durable construction. 

Best Stripe: Perennials Ikat Stripe Indoor/Outdoor Rug

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Material: Acrylic  | Pile height: .13 inches | Cost range: $995–$3,595

Why we chose it: An elevated, ombré-like upgrade to the timeless stripe inspired by Indian ikats.

Isbell suggests checking out interior designer–beloved performance rug brand Perennials. “For the best color saturations and near indestructibility, I prefer 100 percent solution-dyed acrylic rugs,” he says, like this handwoven pick featuring an abstract, three-tone take on Indian ikat in a subtle, stripelike design. Not only is it mildew- and fade-resistant, but it holds color beautifully and any tough stains can be cleaned with bleach.

Best Geometric: Ruggable Outdoor Forma Primary Rug 

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Material: Polyester | Pile height: .2 inches | Cost range: $129–$699 

Why we chose it: Embrace the bold with a Bauhaus-inspired graphic. 

Brighten up your balcony, porch, or deck with a colorful combination of triangles, circles, and rectangles that won’t fade in direct sun. The bold, graphic pattern is sure to lend an artful touch to modern, clean-line furniture. Ruggable is known for low-maintenance products and a waterproof covering that not only protects against summer showers, but spilled beverages and snacks during happy-hour get-togethers, too. Plus this durable, innovative material is designed to resist the growth of mold and mildew. 

Best Natural Fiber: NuLoom Rigo Handwoven Jute Area Rug

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Material: Jute | Pile height: .2 inches | Cost range: $28–$535

Why we chose it: The epitome of versatility—indoors or out, enjoy a large selection of sizes, colors, and formats. 

This best-selling, under-$200 jute option is versatile for both indoor or outdoor use, but for the latter be sure to style it in a shaded area that won’t get wet. “Natural-fiber rugs are prone to fading in direct sunlight and can absorb water, which makes them susceptible to mold and mildew,” explains Cyrus Loloi, principal and CMO of rug and textile brand Loloi. And while these leafy, natural fibers can be rough on bare feet, the tightly woven texture is notably softer than scratchier sisal. To prevent snags or unraveling, stick to sweeping rather than vacuuming come cleaning day. 

Best Polyester: West Elm Desert Stream Indoor/Outdoor Rug

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Material: Polypropylene and polyester | Pile height: .3 inches | Cost range: $72–$1,020

Why we chose it: You’d never know this rug is made with synthetic fibers. 

This wool look-alike (it’s actually polyester!) exudes the coziness of an indoor rug and won’t shed like the real deal tends to do. The subtle yet sophisticated pattern stands out from the sea of striped and chevron-print options on the market, if you’d rather not match your neighbors’ backyards or patios. An earthy palette exudes desert-cool vibes; all you need is a planter full of succulents and teakwood furniture to complete the look. (However, if you are searching for something with a bit more color, the new Bolé Road drop is a no-brainer.)

Best Acrylic: Neighbor Sunbrella Braid Rug 

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Material: Acrylic | Pile height: .3 inches | Cost range: $900–$2,400

Why we chose it: Cold concrete or stone patio? Warm things up underfoot with this woven wonder.

Choose between speckled, earthier tones of wheat, ebony, basil, and (our personal favorite) pepper to spruce up your outdoor space. Braided together with Sunbrella yarn, you can count on this rug to last summer after summer without fading or matting (feel free to flip this reversible number around to evenly distribute wear). We also appreciate its ability to add a bit of softness to an often rock-hard exterior floor.

We Also Like

• If you have a small balcony or terrace, Shore’s candy-colored Confetti Rugs, handmade from silicone, are a bit more feasible in price.
• A more traditional look, we’d tap the Rejuvenation Cleary Flatweave Rug for a desert-inspired porch.
• For a neutral color scheme, Beachcrest Home Robinson Striped Rug is a people pleaser.
• Chilewich Heddle Woven Floor Mat is indoor-outdoor compatible, so we’d place it right at the door.

How We Chose These Products

Outdoor area rugs tend to skew toward Margaritaville-inspired palm trees and parrots, but we made sure our recommendations could look just as good indoors as a hallway runner, entryway mat, or living room carpet. From a range of patterns and styles to our favorite finds based on fabric use (including PET polyester with a cleaning regimen as simple as being sprayed down with a hose), these are the best outdoor rugs designers love to use or are currently eyeing, and the ones Domino editors wouldn’t mind having in their very own homes. 

Ask Domino

Q: Should I expect to spend as much on an outdoor rug as I would on an indoor area rug? 

We always recommend investing in the highest quality you can afford. Whatever your budget, whether it’s under $300 or four figures, Isbell says the best outdoor rugs are a category you shouldn’t skimp on: “They take a beating far more than any indoor carpet, so the old saying ‘It only hurts once’ applies here.”  

Q: Are some outdoor rugs easier to take care of than others? 

Think twice about light colors and chunky textures. That is if durability is nonnegotiable. “This advice goes against all the things that I appreciate when thinking about interior design, but functionality takes priority when it comes to exteriors,” explains Terry Lin, cofounder and chief design officer of outdoor lifestyle brand Outer, one of the best places to buy patio furniture. “Your rug will inevitably get dirty. Light colors will get dingy. Textures in the weave will become a catchall for grime.”   

In general, be sure to regularly vacuum or shake out your rug to free it from dirt and debris, and spot-treat any spills to prevent stains. And since most of the best outdoor rugs are made with extra-durable materials, it’s likely all you may have to do is hose them down, but be sure to check the manufacturer’s instructions first. 

Q: Any tips on how to style my outdoor space with a rug?

Contrast is key. “If the furniture is really eclectic, I would choose a rug in a solid shade,” says Caitlin Murray, founder and creative director of Black Lacquer Design. But if the patio is quite neutral, consider a patterned rug to make things feel more textured and layered. Essentially, no matter your choice, try to avoid monotony. “You never want it to blend in with the flooring,” she adds.

The Last Word 

An outdoor oasis isn’t complete without a cozy, underfoot detail. Feel free to embrace bold, intricate designs with smaller mats, but try to stick with simpler patterns and styles like stripes and natural fibers when it comes to extra-large floor coverings. The best outdoor area rugs are those you can enjoy for more than one season, so it’s best to go with easy-to-clean, durable materials (think: vinyl, natural flat-weaves, recycled plastic, and polyester-based blends) if you explore beyond our list of designer-backed favorites.